Gom Mirian
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the World Health Organisation (WHO) have signed a four-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to prevent substance abuse and promote clean sports.
The MOU was signed in Geneva, Switzerland, by WADA President, Witold Bańka, and WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. It is to run until October 1, 2027.
Speaking on the partnership Bańka said: “The memorandum of understanding signed today with the World Health OrOrganisation is a watershed moment that will benefit anti-doping efforts worldwide.
“WADA leads the global collaborative mission for doping-free sport; and, in so doing, we also protect the health of individuals around the world. One of the three criteria for a substance to be added to WADA’s Prohibited List of Substances and Methods is if it represents an actual or potential health risk to athletes.
“Through our agreement with WHO, experts from both organisations wil be able to work collaboratively to exchange information on emerging substances and reinforce scientific positions that will ultimately benefit not only athletes but society as a whole.”
On his part, Dr Ghebreyesus said: “Sport and all forms of physical activity are essential to good health, and competitive sport plays a key role in inspiring people to be more active.
“The use of performance-enhancing substances can harm athletes and certainly harms sport and those who look up to athletes as role models. Keeping sport clean, therefore, has benefits beyond the sporting arena for the health and well-being of individuals and societies everywhere.”
